3 of the best sustainable festivals you need to see asap

Festival season. It’s one of our favourite times of year at Chilly’s, and what’s not to like? That unique combination of *loud* music, incredible people, and the freedom to let loose transports you to another space and time where all that matters is having fun, and we love that.

You know what else we love at Chilly’s? Sustainability. So, what better way to get ourselves going than to shout about some of the best sustainable festivals that are truly dedicated to making a difference in the world?

Here are the ones we recommend you pay a visit to ASAP.

Festivals on your agenda this year? Make sure you’re prepared to stay hydrated.

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1. GALA Festival

What is it?

GALA has been setting itself apart as one of London’s best independent festivals for a decade now, and they’re still going strong for all the right reasons. Dedicated to promoting diversity, transparency, and environmental sustainability, while raising funds for various causes, this is a festival that truly makes a difference.

A raging, three-day party that will take you from euphoric heights to playful introspection, this is a festival that celebrates community and sustainability in an environment that is just so much fun. Conceived—in their own words—out of a ‘love for the warm, organic, and soulful sounds dance music was built on’, if you love to move your body, this is the place to do it.

Where is it?

GALA calls Peckham Rye Park its home and has rightly become the pride of the local community, with residents of all ages and musical tastes attending year-after-year.

When is it?

Typically held over 3 days at the end of May, GALA kicks off the festival season with a big, green bang—it’s our favourite way to welcome in the summer to come and get ourselves in the festy mindset.

Learn more about GALA festival here.

2. RALLY Festival

What is it?

If we’re talking south London staples, we’d be remiss not to mention RALLY Festival. It’s one of the few London festivals that genuinely cares about environmental sustainability and community values, fundraising for local causes centring on safety and inclusivity. Along these same lines, RALLY’s identity is seated in DIY culture and grassroots movements, celebrating and promoting local London artists. So, be ready for a variety of sounds and visuals that will deepen your appreciation of what the UK music scene has to offer.

As for the experience? Well, let’s just say you can expect one hell of a good time. In addition to the *immaculate* vibes, you can expect set design that truly breaks the mould—at times, you could be mistaken for thinking you were partying in a sculpture park. Very cool.

Where is it?

Located in Southwark Park, the festival is a stones-throw from east London. Local residents also get discounted tickets, so be sure to get your hands on those if you can.

When is it?

RALLY is a single-day festival usually held on the second-to-last Saturday of August—in our book, a completely perfect way to spend a summer afternoon-turned-evening.

Check out RALLY festival here.

3. Waterworks Festival

What is it?

Last up is Waterworks Festival – one of our absolute favourites, made all the better by its commitment to sustainability. Their sustainable ethos is quite the feat when you consider that this festival is spread over an impressive seven stages—all of which have their own unique sound, vibe, and aesthetic. So, there’s plenty of exploring to be had. And, for us, Waterworks is all about the music.

Think crisp, mind-altering sound systems, programming to rival any other festival, and a crowd of audiophiles who truly care about the music being played.

Where is it?

Waterworks is hosted in the sprawling Gunnersbury Park, a location lauded by West London’s music-obsessed, who will know it for hosting the likes of Khruangbin, Martin Garrix, the Smashing Pumpkins, among many, many others.

When is it?

Starting at midday, this 11-hour rager is typically held in mid-September, so make sure you come prepped with all you need to make the transition from day to night.

Read up on Waterworks Festival here.

Before you book: our top tips for festival survival

The rules are simple: festivals just aren’t fun if you don’t come prepared. Whether it’s something as simple as packing a big enough bottle to last you the distance, or bringing along some food to keep you going, you’ll never regret coming prepped.

For those in need of festival hacks, we’ve got you. Read our full survival guide here.